Prostate cancer (hormone-refractory) - docetaxel

Summary

Docetaxel is recommended as a possible treatment for men with hormone-refractory metastatic prostate cancer.

• It should be given only if the man is well enough to care for himself with occasional assistance.
• Treatment should be stopped at the end of a planned course of up to 10 cycles (or 'rounds') of docetaxel.
• The treatment should be stopped early if the man experiences serious side effects, or if the disease is getting worse.

NICE does not recommend using docetaxel again if the disease comes back after the first course of treatment has finished.

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• Prostate cancer (hormone-refractory) - docetaxel - quick reference guide
• TA101 Prostate cancer (hormone-refractory) - docetaxel - guidance (word)
• TA101 Prostate cancer (hormone-refractory) - docetaxel - guidance

For patients, carers and the public

• Prostate cancer (hormone-refractory) - docetaxel - information for the public - word
• Prostate cancer (hormone-refractory) - docetaxel - information for the public

Background information

• 2006/031 NICE approves docetaxel as a treatment option for men with advanced prostate cancer

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• TA101 Prostate cancer (hormone-refractory) - docetaxel: analysis of cost impact